Area of Law: Immigration Law
Answer # 678
Point System for Skilled Workers and Self-Employed
Region: Ontario Answer # 678
Both Federal Skilled Worker class applicants and Business Class applicants must meet certain qualifications to immigrate to Canada, based on specific criteria given by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applicants are given scores, or points, for how well they meet each criteria. This is called the point system.
Each category of applicant has different minimum point requirements. Skilled Worker Class immigrants must have at least 67 points out of a possible 100 to qualify to immigrate. Business Class immigrants must have at least 35 points.
Federal Skilled Worker Class immigrants
Federal Skilled Workers are assessed on six selection factors:
- English and/or French skills
- Education
- Experience
- Age
- Arranged Employment in Canada
- Adaptability
Even if the required total number of points is met, an application may be refused if there have been no points awarded for work experience.
Most applicants who have the required number of points can enter Canada as Skilled Worker immigrants after they pass a medical exam and a security check. However, if IRCC receives too many applications, it will place a cap on the number it will process. For current processing information, check with IRCC.
Business Class immigrants
People who immigrate through the Self-Employed Persons Program are evaluated differently. In order to qualify to apply as a self-employed immigrant, applicants must first meet the definition of an investor, entrepreneur or self-employed person as given by IRCC.
Business Workers are assessed on five selection factors:
- English and/or French skills
- Education
- Experience
- Age
- Adaptability
Selection is based on the documents an applicant provides and an assessment of their score under each of the selection criteria.
Each selection factor has very specific criteria and the points awarded for each is adjusted annually.
If the minimum number of points is not met, the immigration application will be rejected. If the application is rejected, an applicant can re-apply after they have taken appropriate steps to earn more points.
For more information about the point system and how to immigrate to Canada, visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. To find foreign consulates and embassies in your province, click here.
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